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Serotonin and beyond-a tribute to Manfred Göthert (1939-2019)
H Bönisch1, K B Fink2, B Malinowska3
1Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53105, Bonn, Germany.
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg'S Archives of Pharmacology
|May 15, 2021
Summary
Pioneering pharmacologist Manfred Göthert identified numerous presynaptic receptors and elucidated the effects of anesthetics and ethanol on ion channels. His research significantly advanced understanding of neurotransmission and drug action.
Area of Science:
- Neuropharmacology
- Receptor Pharmacology
- Ion Channel Physiology
Background:
- Manfred Göthert's research focused on presynaptic receptors, particularly on serotoninergic and noradrenergic neurons.
- He investigated ligand-gated and voltage-dependent ion channels, including nicotinic acetylcholine (nAChR), NMDA, Ca2+, and 5-HT3 receptors.
- His work spanned from whole-animal studies to cellular and molecular levels.
Discussion:
- Göthert identified presynaptic receptors for somatostatin and ACTH and characterized their presence in human tissues.
- He elucidated the negative allosteric effects of anesthetics on peripheral nACh receptors, impacting the Meyer-Overton hypothesis.
- His findings on ethanol's effect on NMDA receptors and gabapentinoids' inhibition of Ca2+ channels have clinical relevance.
Key Insights:
- Demonstrated the pharmacology of presynaptic 5-HT receptors and identified subtypes of the 5-HT3 receptor.
- Described altered pharmacological properties of 5-HT receptor variants, linking them to clinical conditions like depression and vasospasm.
- His research provided crucial insights into the mechanisms of neurotransmitter and drug actions at the synaptic level.
Outlook:
- Göthert's foundational work continues to influence modern pharmacology and the development of novel therapeutics.
- Further research into the identified receptor variants and their clinical associations may yield new diagnostic and treatment strategies.
- His contributions underscore the importance of detailed pharmacological characterization for understanding complex neurological processes.
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